Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking Fare 2026: One Way, Return and Total Cost
The Vaishno Devi helicopter fare from Katra to Sanjichhat is ₹2,320 one way and ₹4,640 return until 31 October 2026. From 1 November 2026 it is reported to rise to ₹2,700 one way and ₹5,400 return. This page explains the fare, what it covers, what it does not, and how much a full helicopter yatra costs.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking Fare: Quick Answer
The Shrine Board fixes the helicopter fare for the Katra to Sanjichhat sector, so the price is the same on every authorised booking channel. Until 31 October 2026 you pay ₹2,320 for a one way ticket and ₹4,640 for a return ticket per person. From 1 November 2026 the fare is reported to be ₹2,700 one way and ₹5,400 return, an increase of ₹380 and ₹760.
The fare is per person and children aged 2 years and above pay the full fare. A ticket buys only the flight. Registration, hotel, pony or palki, meals, battery car and any special darshan are separate.
Helicopter Fare from Katra to Sanjichhat
Per person, for the Katra to Sanjichhat sector.
| Ticket | Until 31 Oct 2026 | From 1 Nov 2026 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| One way | ₹2,320 | ₹2,700 | ₹380 |
| Return | ₹4,640 | ₹5,400 | ₹760 |
The 1 November 2026 fare is the revision reported by the media after the Shrine Board announcement. Please check the final fare on the official portal at the time of booking.
What the Fare Covers and What It Does Not
Fare covers
- One seat on the Katra to Sanjichhat flight (or back)
- Flight of about 8 to 10 minutes
- Check-in and boarding at the helipad
Fare does not cover
- Hotel stay at Katra
- Pony, palki, pithu or battery car
- VIP darshan or aarti booking
- Meals, cloakroom and personal expenses
- Travel from your city to Katra
Total Cost of a Helicopter Yatra: Sample Itinerary
A rough plan for one adult on a 3 day yatra. Hotel and transfer costs depend on category and season.
| Day | Plan | Cost to budget |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Reach Katra, hotel check-in, yatra slip (free) | Hotel night, dinner |
| Day 2 | Return helicopter, walk or pony to Bhawan, darshan | ₹4,640 (till 31 Oct) or ₹5,400 (from 1 Nov) for the return ticket, plus pony or palki if used |
| Day 3 | Local visit and departure | Hotel check-out, meals, travel home |
For an all-in price that bundles the flight cost with a hotel, AC cab and yatra help, see our Vaishno Devi tour package with helicopter price page and our Vaishno Devi trip cost guide.
Helicopter vs Walking vs Pony: What You Save
| Mode | Effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter to Sanjichhat | About 8 to 10 minutes in the air, then 2 to 3 km walk or ride | Seniors, families with children, short on time |
| Walk the full track | About 12 to 13 km. Roughly 4 to 8 hours up | Fit pilgrims who want the full yatra |
| Pony, palki or battery car | Pay per ride. Battery car runs Ardhkuwari to Bhawan | Pilgrims who want to skip part of the climb |
If you want only part of the climb done for you, read our battery car booking guide.
Refund and Cancellation Points
- Operator cancels the flight. If the flight is cancelled for weather or a technical reason, the Shrine Board refunds the ticket.
- Passenger cancels. Cancellation by the passenger follows the portal rules. Reports mention a partial refund if you cancel online a couple of days ahead. Read the terms on the portal before paying.
- Payment failed. If money is debited but no ticket is issued, check the refund status on the portal before you book again.
How to Avoid Paying More Than the Fare
- Book on the official portal or app only. Shrine Board has not authorised private travel agents for helicopter, aarti or accommodation bookings. Book only on the official website or the official mobile app.
- Be careful with "guaranteed" tickets. A reseller cannot lower the fare, and anyone who asks for a premium is not an authorised channel.
- Check your travel date. The fare you pay depends on the fare shown for your travel date, so check the amount on the payment page before you confirm.
More Vaishno Devi Booking Guides
Helicopter, aarti, accommodation and battery car, explained one by one.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking
Complete guide: steps, fare, documents and a 3 day plan.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking from Katra
Katra to Sanjichhat flight, helipad, counter and day plan.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking from Jammu
Jammu airport options, the premium Panchhi package and the Katra route.
Helicopter Online Booking Availability
How to check seats and what to do when the portal shows none.
Helicopter Advance Booking
The 60 day window, booking dates and peak day strategy.
Helicopter Booking Contact Number
Official Shrine Board helplines and how to avoid fake numbers.
Vaishno Devi Online Aarti Booking
Atka Aarti and poojan options, booking steps and a plan around your slot.
Vaishno Devi Online Accommodation Booking
Shrine Board rooms and dormitories at Katra, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan.
Vaishno Devi Online Booking Battery Car
Ardhkuwari to Bhawan battery car fare, booking and eligibility.
Compare Helicopter Packages
Want the helicopter, hotel and transfers bundled into one price? These packages include a return helicopter ticket at the Shrine Board fare. If the Board raises the fare after you book, the difference is added to the quote.
Vaishno Devi Tour Package by Helicopter
3 days 2 nights with return helicopter ticket.
From ₹12,500 per person
Vaishno Devi Package from Delhi with Helicopter
Start from Delhi and skip most of the climb.
From ₹12,500 per person
FAQs: Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking Fare
What is the Vaishno Devi helicopter booking fare?
₹2,320 one way and ₹4,640 return per person until 31 October 2026. From 1 November 2026 the fare is reported to be ₹2,700 one way and ₹5,400 return.
Is the helicopter fare the same on every website?
The fare is fixed by the Shrine Board, so an authorised booking channel cannot charge a different base fare. Book on the official portal or app to avoid extra charges.
Why is the Vaishno Devi helicopter fare going up?
Media reports in September 2026 said the Shrine Board revised the fare from 1 November 2026, with reports linking it to higher aviation fuel costs.
Do children pay the full helicopter fare?
Children aged 2 years and above need a seat and pay the full fare. Confirm the infant rule on the portal.
Is GST included in the helicopter fare?
Fares are quoted per person by the Shrine Board. Any applicable taxes are shown during booking, so check the final amount on the payment page.
How much does a full helicopter yatra cost?
Add the return fare to your hotel, meals, transfers, pony or palki and any darshan option. Our helicopter packages bundle the flight with hotel and cab so you see one price.
Is there a cheaper way than the helicopter?
Yes. You can walk the track for free, or use a pony, palki or the Ardhkuwari to Bhawan battery car. The helicopter is the fastest option, not the cheapest.
Is the Jammu helicopter fare the same as Katra?
No. The Jammu airport to Panchhi helipad package is a premium all-inclusive service priced far above the Katra to Sanjichhat fare. See our Jammu helicopter booking page.
Popular Vaishno Devi Packages and Guides
Itineraries, prices, guidelines and darshan information.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter, Aarti, Accommodation and Battery Car Booking
Vaishno Devi Patnitop Packages
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Package from Your City
Choose your city to see the package with helicopter.
Himachal Pradesh
Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Andhra Pradesh
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Chandigarh
Meghalaya
Union Territories
Want an all-in helicopter yatra price?
Share your dates and group size. We will send one price that covers hotel, AC cab, yatra help and a day-wise plan built around your helicopter slot.